When I first thought that I might be gay, I was already a fiddler, a step-dancer, and a bearer of a great tradition.

I asked myself, how in God’s name could I possibly go with this whole gay thing? I was surrounded by family, friends and fans that believed that fiddlers were ‘real men’, masculine and bold.

Who was I to screw with this stereotype? And, how was I to reconcile a long-held perspective with my true identity?

I have always believed in myself as a musician – that has never been in question, and it isn’t today. So, back then, I just went ahead and did my own thing, bringing my music to the world, confident that my abilities as a player would overshadow the whole question and controversy surrounding my sexual identity. If I was unique and good, even great, then people would like me, gay or not. And that is what happened.

Sure, early on in my career many people were angry and turned off by how open I chose to be about my personal life. Other fiddlers, and even their parents, sent me nasty letters with warnings of my descent into hell and threats of eternal damnation, etc.

But now I understand that they were probably just jealous of my talent and success. Some of those players – some of them the very same antigay individuals who chastised me – enjoy opportunities today because of the doors that I opened.

Me? I love people and I refuse to treat one individual any differently from the next. Or audiences for that matter; be it at a Gay Pride event, the opening ceremonies of an Olympic Games or even a square dance in a small village.

In truth, real music fans couldn’t care less about my personal life. They don’t want to hear about my visit to some really awesome dance club in New York’s Gay Village. They want to hear my music.

And music is what I do. I still make traditional albums, and of course I still push the limits of Cape Breton fiddling in my pop recordings and in my performances. It is my job to balance and present a modern agenda with a traditional upbringing.

The irony of it all is that while the music of the Celts has been around a long time, being gay has been around even longer.

I cannot overstate how important both have been to my life, however. Hopefully other young musicians feel as free to express themselves in both areas as I have, no matter their ethnic, cultural, financial, musical or sexual standing. I know that, for me, a fiddle player from the wilds of Cape Breton, each element has enriched my life and contributed to my passion and profession.

In retrospect, I realize that my attitude perhaps didn’t come so much from a desire to present my music to the world, but more a wish to discover what the world had to offer someone like me. Gay. The fiddle has allowed me to see the world, and I love it – haters included.

Hey Ashley,I hail from Port Hawkesbury,I have been gone from Home since 1978,but I remember when you were born..4 months before my son,David,in St Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish,NS,I know your parents and most of your relatives and I must tell you that,I Love you and your music cuz I know your roots,I am very proud to tell people in BC that I know who you are,Gay or not..to tell you the truth,most of my friends are Gay/Lesbian,although I am not,I would like to thank you for all you have done for us “Capers Away” and that you play a big part in me being a Very Proud Cape Bretoner..Much Love,Ashley…

I love your openness to share who you are and being proud of where you come from. I have watched you grow from a little dark curly haired boy into a talented man & a great musician. Buddy is my all time favourite but nobody in this generation can come close to your talent. All the best.

Well said Ashley….why should someones personal sexual desire be a deciding factor in who that person is…have always loved you, and your music….who you sleep with is none of my business and I command you for being so honest…

Saw you perform twice last summer,both times at The Barn in Margaree..
Your playing is the very best…I watch your fingering,your bowing…and wonder how you can be so controlled,so perfect. You’re an artist!
And you have stage presence,being polite and always appreciative.
Wishing you lots more sold out concerts!
Drop in at a Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh some night(..( bring your fiddle)

Love the article and your music, You are blessed with a wonderful talent. Keep playing and dancing and teaching and sharing your awesome talent with us. It lifts us up and makes our day! I am a Cape Bretoner and so very proud of you!

You are a miracle, Ashley. You’re a miracle on stage and you’re a miracle off stage. As a teacher, I can attest that you have taught us more than you’ll ever know. You continue to teach us to be ourselves so that we can discover the people who love us for us. You teach us passion and courage and resilience. Much resilience. You know where home is. And may you have many, many other homes…with the best one being deep within yourself. Merci buckets for being you.

Hi Ashley…..Have loved your music for such a long time. You might not know but when Aunt Rita and Uncle Joe used to come home, I would put your grad. picture and a picture of Buddy on the side table where she slept. You are amazing and I have loved watching you play. I remember a party at Shirley’s long ago when you were playing away and David G. just sat and watched you playing in amazement. Be you, Be Ashley…love, Jo-anne Macdonald

What a fantastic article,you got to see the world and the world got to see Cape Breton’s finest. Please pay no mind to the dung it may be all they knew! Enjoy the years ahead hope they are kind , .pleasant and many of them

In the year of 2018 you would think that people would be a bit more accepting, but haters are gonna hate, I myself love what you stand for, you are an amazing, and talented Man.. Who you choose to spend your life with is most certainly none of anyone’s business….keep on keeping on…

The fiddle took you places most of us will never get to see as for being gay it’s like this the hearts wants what the heart wants and love and only love it can’t be denied so what ever you are doing keep it going it’s working for ya
The Byrd-Man

Ashley, continue to be you ~ you make us proud Cape Bretoners !
An industry that is getting harder to obtain the true value of recognition via monetary.
Keep supporting & encouraging the youth to follow their musical aspirations. Heard you play on a few occasion & I bounce with pride when you speak with such emotions about your roots of back home.
Living in TO yet always a Cheticamper @ heart.
Follow your dream

I got a lift from you while I was hitchhiking from Mabou a few times lol… Gay? Who cared? Good tunes and thanks for the lift boss! No idea if you remember that or not, but when you’re the guy doing the walking, you never forget who stopped to offer the ride.

Never stop being you!! Much love Ashley! You were always someone I looked up to. As a fiddler, a musician, and person. Hope to see you in Margaree next summer. Might even squeeze in a visit to Mr.Chicken.

Wonderful truthfulness. You make a great ambassador for gays. Especially those who fear ‘ coming out’. Thank You for your openness. My heart beats faster whenever I get to hear you. Have always loved your talent. From a Cape Bretoner through and through.

Ashley, besides your wonderful gift of music to us, I came to know you through your teaching first hand and through sharing the stage with you as a member of tne Cape Breton Fiddlers. It was during these times I saw your kindness and compadsion, particularly towards my disabled son. That is all that really matters in the measure of a person..their humanity. Thank you for that.

As I read your story what struck me is the path you’ve cleared for others to walk along. I wonder if you realize how important your journey has been to others. Small town musician takes the world by storm. And he’s gay. And he’s NOT apologizing for it! There are other people who are gay – fiddlers, other musicians, welders, lawyers, nurses, retail workers, homemakers, etc – teens and octogenarians – who have been normalized by you. Your talent is untouchable, that goes without saying. Your awareness and pride of self is magic. What a combination. Thank you.

So well stated and so on point!
Sexuality is only one aspect of anyone’s life; it’s all the other pieces that make the man or woman.
Had the pleasure of having Ashley agree to perform at one of our CANS’ AGM(s) a couple of years ago. Everyone that had the opportunity to meet or work with Ashley came away with the same thoughts and observations : unbelievably talented musician, total professional, genuine and a good Man. Best AGM to date!!